AUG 1 – AUG 14: DORMITION FAST & CONFESSIONS.

CONFESSIONS: AUG 12 – 2:00-2:45 PM & 5:15-6:15 PM. We celebrate the Dormition of the Mother of God after this fasting period. By tradition, a Paraklesis (Small Service of Supplication to the Theotokos), sometimes called the Office of Consolation to the Most Holy Theotokos is sung daily during the Dormition Fast, August 1-14. It is a service of supplication for the welfare of the living. It is addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos whose intercessions are sought through the chanting of the supplicatory canon together with psalms, hymns, and litanies.

The general guidelines for the Dormition Fast are as follows:

WEEKDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine (and oil).

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS and Transfiguration: fish and wine permitted (and oil). We still abstain from meat, dairy

Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.

If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.

Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.